Have a guernsey at this: league fans go for the retro fit

Page Tools

The NRL grand final has gone retro. Tigers fans are rushing
sports stores for classic Balmain and Western Suburbs jerseys - but
it's a fad that snubs the club's current sponsor.

More than $100,000 worth of 1989-style Balmain jerseys has been
sold this week, and stores have orders for many more with the
jerseys' makers, Classic Sports.

However, the jerseys do not feature the name of the Tigers'
sponsor, JFTA Petrochemical Services, but Philips and Victa, which
sponsored Balmain and Western Suburbs before they merged. JFTA pays
more than $500,000 for the right to put its name on Tigers shirts,
so it might not be so impressed with the retro jerseys. Classic
Sports had to obtain permission from Philips and Victa after some
former sponsors of other clubs complained they did not want their
names used again.

Fans often want the retro design because it makes them look like
long-time supporters. The NRL's licensing manager, Rebecca James,
said: "Classic are going to do at least 800 this week of that retro
jersey alone. The demand for the Balmain jersey is just amazing. It
isn't as big with the Western Suburbs one."

The Tigers player Benji Marshall was recently photographed
wearing a Balmain heritage jersey at training, and dozens of
Balmain and Wests jerseys were on display at yesterday's fans day.
The Tigers' official kit supplier, KOS Sports, sold out after
selling 1500 each of the Western Suburbs and Balmain heritage
jerseys produced last month to commemorate the NRL's 1970s
week.

Ironically, the best-selling retro jersey is that of the Newtown
Jets. They may no longer be in league's top-flight competition, but
they have a cult following.

Page Tools

SPONSORED LINKS

More news

1127804477621-smh.com.auhttp://www.smh.com.au/news/league/have-a-guernsey-at-this-league-fans-go-for-the-retro-fit/2005/09/27/1127804477621.htmlsmh.com.auSydney Morning Herald2005-09-28Have a guernsey at this: league fans go for the retro fitBrad WalterSportLeaguehttp://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2005/09/27/th_balmainjersey_index-thumb__60x40.jpg